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Vicksburg National Military ParkGeneral John E. Smith
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Vicksburg National Military Park
Tour Stop 10 - Stockade Redan
Stockade Redan
NPS Photo
Stockade Redan
Stockade Redan was constructed to protect the Graveyard Road approach to Vicksburg. The fortification was given its name because of the wall, or 'stockade,' of poplar logs built across the Graveyard Road. The redan was attacked twice, on May 19 and 22, and each time the Confederate garrison successfully repulsed the Federal soldiers.
 
Stockade Redan Viewed from the Union Lines
NPS Photo
Stockade Redan as Viewed from the Union Line
Imagine being a Confederate soldier behind these earthworks, firing at the attacking Federals, while intense Union artillery fire, along with keen-eyed sharpshooters, try to pin you down. Still the Southern force was able to hold their position, and following the failure of the May 22 assault, General Grant decided to conduct siege operations.
 
Brigadier General Martin E. Green
Brigadier General Martin E. Green
Confederate Brigadier General Martin E. Green was killed near the Stockade Redan by a Union sharpshooter. Only moments before, he had shrugged off warnings from his soldiers to stay behind the fortification wall, saying, "a bullet has not yet been molded that will kill me".
 
Aerial Photo of Stockade Redan
Aerial Photo of Stockade Redan
 
The Stockage Redan, (featured at left in photo) and line of Federal artillery positions (at far right).
 
Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
Vicksburg National Military Park was established by an act of Congress on February 21, 1899. The Veterans who fought in the Vicksburg campaign worked tirelessly to see the park was created.

Last Updated: December 14, 2007 at 16:26 EST